Laguna Beach Engagement Session | Hotel Joaquin Boutique Hotel | California Wedding Photographer
Hotel Joaquin Boutique Hotel | Laguna Beach Engagement Session | California Wedding Photographer
Christine and Wade decided to have their engagement session at one of their favorite Boutique Hotels in Laguna Beach, Hotel Joaquin! It’s an incredibly well designed boutique hotel with a beautiful restaurant and pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The beach at the bottom of the street is the most relaxing and secluded cove to sit, lay or run around and take images on. The shoreline is lined with sandy shores and a rocky cliff topped with beautiful palm trees swayed in the wind. If you ever find yourself out in California or are looking for a romantic getaway or relaxing solo retreat, I would highly recommend Hotel Joaquin. This boutique hotel is now one of my favorites and I can’t wait to visit with Ross soon. x
Christine and I have been keeping up with each other for many years, as we connected with each other online over her denim brand, Just Black Denim, which you all should also look into for some solid styles of denim. When she asked me to fly to California to capture her and Wade on digital and film, I could not be more excited to finally meet and hang out! I flew to LA and then drove down to Laguna Beach to spend the day with Christine and Wade! We met in the restaurant of Hotel Joaquin first and grabbed a bite to eat and caught up. Afterward we ate, we started the session by taking images in their super beautifully designed room. The neutral palette with pops of color, eclectic mid century furniture and the unique tapestry art work on the wall really made the space a lovely one to document. After shooting in the tiled stairwell, bar area, stylish lobby and then the pool and lounge area, we walked down to the beach, just a short 1 minute walk away! We then strolled up and down the shoreline of Shaws Cove until the sunset.
After our session was over we decided to hang out in the lobby of Hotel Joaquin for a few hours just chatting away! I had the best hot chocolate drink I’ve ever had and their charcuterie board was amazing! All in all, this day was so life giving, relaxed and a beautiful one! Already can’t wait to not only visit Hotel Joaquin again with my husband, but to be able to hang out with these two gems of humans again! x
Destination Elopement Portraits on a Lake | Romantic Canoe Wedding Portraits | Melody Joy Co.
Destination Elopement Portraits on a Lake | Romantic Canoe Wedding Portraits | Melody Joy Co.
Gabe and Karla were married in 2017. They are some of the sweetest humans and creative couples I know. I watched a thriller movie about a cabin in the woods with Karla one evening and thought to myself… let’s go to a cabin in the woods and do a shoot! So I went straight to Airbnb and found a cabin in Michigan for us to do this elopement wedding shoot. We were able to capture wedding portraits of them in a canoe that came with the lake house. Not only was it a way for me to create something beautiful during this season, but I love giving real life couples memories that they can cherish forever. They both are so full of creative juices from Karla running a music school for children with Little Parade Music, and Gabe doing music production, Illustration for children’s books, recording, leading worship, a talented barista and all around loving human to everyone around me. I’m so grateful for these wonderful and inspiring cousins of mine and I’ll never tire of capturing the different seasons of their life. Enjoy these moody portraits of them in a canoe on a lake. x
And if you’re interested in my capturing couple or bridal portraits of your love and you, please reach out here.
I would love to create something beautiful with you!
Chicago Engagement Session | Kayla + Julio | Montrose Beach Lakefront | Lake Michigan
Kayla + Julio | Chicago Engagement Session | Montrose Beach Lakefront | Lake Michigan | Chicago Wedding Photographer
I had the immense privilege of capturing these two beautiful souls on the shores of Montrose Beach for their engagement photos. These images were taken as Chicago was transitioning from winter to spring, which of course, Chicago takes a while to do so the sand had layers of snow and the lake still had a thin layer of ice over it. We enjoyed strolling along the lakefront and running around beach, it actually helped us to stay warm. Although you wouldn’t know these two were freezing most of the time, because they are not only naturals in front of the camera but thankfully their sweet love distracted them both from the colder weather.
Kayla and Julio are both lovely creatives. Kayla not only is an industry leader in essential oils, but she also makes beautiful handmade earrings at of clay. Her jewelry company is called Wind & Wild Co. If you love supporting local makers, then definitely check out her work and go give her a follow! Julio is a talented musician and knows how to pick a solid taco place! After our session they invited Ross and I to join them for a double date to their favorite Mexican restaurant in Logan Square, Chicago. It was honestly some of the best guacamole I’ve had yet! The day was really a beautiful one and these two were such a joy to be around!
I’m always really grateful to capture genuinely kind humans like these, and if you’re a kind human, couple or business, I’d be honored to photograph you in your element as well! Cheers to loving what you do and cheers to these two beauties for being such a lovely pair together, inside and out!
Dunnottar Castle at Dusk | Raw Love
Dunnottar Castle Wedding | Scotland Wedding Photographer
These two are precious humans, whom I adore.
Their love is raw and their sweet joy can be felt by anyone who is in their presence.
The first time I met these newlyweds was literally in the Highlands of Scotland for a shoot when my friends were visiting from LA, Sheri and Nicole, and invited me to join them for a day trip! My main contribution was to suggest that we go to Dunnottar at dusk because of the cliffside views and the skies tones are some of my favorites in the country. It couldn’t have been a better setting to end a day in Scotland with friends visiting and to witness all of them seeing Dunnottar for the first time, under such beautiful dusk light. I honestly couldn’t have even told you their names before I captured these images of them on this day (I’m also just bad with names, it takes me a while, ha). Matt and Tamar are also a talented husband & wife photo/video duo I came to find out later! But there is something so lovely about simply meeting someone in person first before seeing their online presence or scrolling through their life before meeting them. I really love meeting with people in person, in passing. Face to face will always be the truest form of connection and authenticity, and these two’s love for each other was just that, deep and genuine. It was so apparent from the first day I met their bubbly selves cuddling on the mountainside. I just love their perseverance, their joy, their hope and their sweet and kind spirits. I’m so grateful to have met them in the Highlands on this day and for all of our hangouts since! So cheers to meeting people in person, developing genuine friendships and to couples endlessly in love and pursuing their dreams together!
Are you looking for an epic place to elope in Scotland? The outdoors in the Highlands of Scotland is the best Wedding Venue. Dunnottar Castle is the perfect backdrop for a wedding of elopement in Scotland. Dunnottar Castle is perfectly placed on the coast of Scotland and is perfect for couples traveling into Scotland to have an elopement in the Highlands of Scotland. If you are searching for a beautiful outdoor location for your elopement or wedding day in Scotland, Dunnottar Castle is lovely! I remember the first time I went to Dunnottar Castle. It was just to explore the beautiful Scottish coastline and was on a personal road trip to photograph this beautiful country. Dunnottar Castle stood beautifully in the distance as we pulled into the parking lot and I instantly fell in love with its majestic and stoic stance perfectly settled into the cliffside of the Scottish coast. I always love exploring new places in Scotland and those end up being the backdrop for many sessions in the future. Dunnottar Castle, I instantly knew would be a beautiful and romantic setting in Scotland for an engagement session or couples portrait session. I’ve seen many weddings and elopements captured at Dunnottar Castle and they are all so whimsical and lovely. If you are ever wanting any opinions on places to elope or have a wedding in Scotland, just let me know! I have so many outdoor wedding venue ideas in the highlands of Scotland that I stumbled upon, if you want a unique and remote Scottish wedding day or elopement. All in all, Dunnottar Castle will continue to be a beautiful location for an elopement or engagement, and if you need a photographer for your special day, please feel free to reach out. I would be honored to make something beautiful with you and your loved one in Scotland!
Engagement Photos | Joseph + Paiton
I’m so grateful to be able to shoot engagement photography! They are truly some of favorite sessions as there are two people about to get married exploring one of my favorite cities on this planet! This specific shoot took place on my rooftop in Wicker Park. Wicker Park is one of the best cities in Chicago for roaming around to find grungy walls, eclectic storefronts, amazing coffee shops and dirty alleys that make the most Vogue editorial backdrops for an engagement session. So if you ever need help knowing where to shoot your Engagement session in places that have loads of style, feel free to reach out to me on my contact page! I would love to help find the perfect place for you all and will happily scout with you and grab coffee, or can just email you some of my favorite locations! Also, If you are ever in need of someone to help you plan your wedding day, I will happily refer my favorite wedding planners in the city! Between Chicago, Scotland and London, I have such a good range of wedding venues to recommend in different countries and cities, so it’s always a good idea to look around, but I’m definitely biased towards a few Wedding venues and engagement session locations! You won’t be disappointed! Chicago and Edinburgh both have so many unique venues for anyone who has shopped around and haven’t quite found what you’re are looking for yet! There are so many warehouse venues, castles or historic pieces of land where you can create your own look and style for the perfect wedding that is uniquely you! And if you need any other wedding vendor referrals, from wedding florists to wedding venues to wedding videographers to hair and makeup artists, I am more than happy to send over my referral list! Cheers to wedding planning and the start of a beautiful new beginning with the one you love!
Head over to my contact page below if you want to reach out to chat with me more about your engagement session and wedding day!
Iceland | Anastasia + Felix
Iceland Vow Renewal | Iceland Road Trip | Iceland Wedding Photographer
Anastasia and Felix had me document their wedding photos in Iceland... just three years after they were married.
Their story moved me so much.
This is a "renewal of love" that is pretty unique and beautiful.
All they needed was each other.
Anastasia and Felix are an endearing, entrepreneurial and charming Ukrainian couple who had to flee their hometown just two days after their wedding because of a war breaking out. Their photographer had decided to leave their city a week earlier, so there were no official images on their wedding day. In circumstances like that, photos seem a bit trivial.
It was my honor to document their love on a very special trip to Iceland after years of them not even thinking of professional wedding photos during these transitional years of settling into their new home and lives. My favorite part of the trip was just spending our days and endless hours with them in the car just enjoying ourselves and the beautiful views.
We discovered a favorite stop along our route for soup, hot dogs and coffee. And after endless days of them speaking amongst each other, I definitely want to learn how to speak Russian. I also learned that we peel potatoes differently, ha, and that we share a love for any type of board game.
We ended up extending our stay with them at an Airbnb in Reykjavik on our last night (after a hilarious balloon-animal-making, taco-eating, and local-cat-stalking adventure) and playing this game called "keep talking and nobody explodes." It's an online game and everyone should definitely go play it with some friends today.
All of this to say, the images below are beautiful moments from the trip, but nothing is more beautiful than truly enjoying the company you are in, in person and not in front of a camera.
I've learned that my favorite moments with the ones I love from the last few years have not been documented, because I'm too busy enjoying them in person, and I love how special that is between the individuals that are there in those moments.
Cheers to many more beautiful adventures together, Anastasia + Felix!
Karla + Gabe | Chicago, IL
Karla and Gabe are one adventurous gem of a couple. I consider them Mrs. + Mr. Chicago. I enjoy hanging out with them weekly, but had such a fun time on my rooftop with the Chicago skyline in the background and capturing their personalities! They are mix a quirky and silly, total babes and are some of the most genuine and kind hearted individuals I've ever met. And I also have the pleasure of calling them family! Gabe...forever and ever, and Karla, just this past summer when they got married!
Also, can we talk about how cool Gabe's tattoos are, incorporating a mix of Chicago pride, meaningful moments and hand drawn illustrations by his son.
Go check out more about what they are up to on Instagram. Both are the epitome of a Chicago creative and how to be musicians + entrepreneurs in a big city! Enjoy!
KARLA // @itsme_karla GABE // @g_a_b_e__
To inquire about a portrait, engagement or family session contact me below to chat!
Isle of Skye | Ruth + Mark
Isle of Skye Road Trip | Isle of Skye Engagement Photos | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Ever since being introduced to Ruth (thanks Ian!) I knew she would become a close friend of mine. I appreciate her kindness, hospitality and just overall genuine personality. She is a gem and a firecracker at the same time. I was so grateful to spend this past weekend capturing Ruth and Mark's engagement photos on the Isle of Skye, where Ruth grew up. She had plenty of hikes lined up and plenty of food and drink to satisfy an army. Ruth's grandma also contributed with delicious homemade food multiple times, so I now know where she gets it from!
Anyways, enjoy these images of our weekend...and always remember..."a couple that lunges together, stays together!" (see second to last image)
If you'd like me to come with you for an engagement or elopement weekend in the Isle of Skye or anywhere in the Highlands of Scotland, please reach out! I would love to document you both and create something beautiful together! Contact me at the link below and I’m looking forward to speaking with you soon!
I loved shooting this couple's engagement photos in the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye is located in the Highlands of Scotland, and the landscape is gorgeous. I love shooting couples in the Isle of Skye. From the Old Man of Storr, to the Quiraing, to the Fairy Pools, to Neist Point, the Isle of Skye has so many beautiful landscapes to photograph couples in epic landscapes and beautiful nature. There are so many lovely walks on the Isle of Skye. If you’re a couple who wants to go on long walk or just pull right up to a stunning landscape, I have a ton of experience doing both on the Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye engagement sessions are a great way for us to spend time together and get to know each other. And if you are visiting the Isle of Skye and Scotland in general from another country, it’s one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland to explore. You will love it! The Isle of Skye road trip also has us passing along Glencoe and Glen Etive on the drive up, which are also two beautiful Scotland spots for an engagement session. Or if you just want to get out, have a coffee, walk around and take some photos, there will be plenty of places to do that along the way! I just love Scotland and the Isle of Skye, and am always grateful for weekends away there, whether with my fiancé or with a couple, it’s always such a beautiful time. The lighting is always different for every trip that I visit the Isle of Skye, so you never know what you’re going to get, and that is part of the fun of it. We were rained out at the Fairy Pools, but we were able to do a very long walk near the Quiraing because it happened to be clear skies that day. But both were equally enjoyable! If you are prepared for rain, wind, cold and all of the elements then you’ll be ready for your engagement session or elopement on the Isle of Skye!
Davide + Michela | London Love | London Photographer
London Engagement Session | London Fashion Street Style | London Wedding Photographer | Hackney Street Style
Davide and Michela are two of the most beautiful individuals. They met in Italy (where they are from). She is an artistic and talented fashionista. He owns Establishment Coffee in London. Together they make the sweetest couple. I'm always abundantly grateful to capture a love like theirs. The memories spent with these two and their kindness will last with me forever. And on top of all of that, they came prepared for this photo shoot with multiple of the most stylish outfit changes! I'm thankful that I have the opportunities to meet people online and then have clients turned friends from all around the world. The internet really makes the world so small.
Enjoy these images of these two gems roaming around Hackney, London a few weeks ago!
Davide and Michela, you both are so incredibly precious. Never stop being passionate about each other. Your joy, your smiles, your laughs and just your unending love for life is so contagious. Appreciate you both so much! Can't wait to hang out in London with you both again soon!
If you’d like me to capture your lifestyle fashion session, engagement session or wedding day, fill out the form below and I would love to help you create something beautiful together!
In Home Engagement Photos | Intimate Studio Session
Intimate Photography | In Home Photo Session | Engagement Photographer | Home Studio
All her perfect imperfections made her the most beautiful creature. -Atticus
This space. This lighting. These intimate moments at home. These two humans I am so incredibly blessed to call friends. Their joy, laughter, genuineness and sweet spirits you can easily see just by spending any amount of time with them. (It also doesn't hurt that Stumptown Coffee, Bob, Bruce and polaroids are involved).
I truly love capturing the beauty of friendship.
If you’d like to Inquire about me capturing your engagement session or wedding day in 2020 or 2021?
Fill out the form below and I would love to help you create something beautiful together!
I just love capturing in home engagement sessions. Intimate photos inside of your home are probably the sweetest way to capture the season of life that you are in. If you need help with ideas or inspiration for your in home engagement session, I’m happy to help! I usually recommend that couples play their favorite music, whether that means putting on your favorite Bob Dylan song or pulling out your guitar to serenade each other. Having your favorite drink is also another way to feel comfortable during your in home session photos. You can brew your favorite coffee or go straight to a glass of wine or cocktail. Either way, make it something that you love as it will be photographed with you! If you like to shoot film or play board games or even cook in the kitchen, all things are great to do to remember the season of life you are in. Your hobbies can give you an activity to do while your engagement session or in home lifestyle photos are naturally taking place in the background. In home sessions are a way to feel comfortable during your photos as you’ll be surrounded by your intimate space and in your comfort zone. It’s so nice to document the intimate moments of any season of life you are going through. Your home always provides that safe haven and has your most authentic self sprinkled throughout the interior design, the decor and overall feel of your home. All in all, I would highly suggest trying an in home session with a lifestyle photographer to document your special love in a fun and unique way in the comfort of your own home.
